Details

THE JOHN LAURENS NORTH HOUSE

A stunning example of a c.1790 Charleston Single House, 24 King Street is elegant, yet comfortable for modern family living. It is located South of Broad on a quiet residential part of King Street, just a block from the Battery. Double classically-columned piazzas are accessible from fourteen sets of French doors. Formal living and dining rooms outfitted in historic paint colors flank a traditional central stair hall. The drawing room features original delicate molding around the ceiling, windows and door and a historically-significant mantle. These rooms include two of the home’s four fireplaces. Matching crystal chandeliers convey. The wide plank heart pine hardwood floors are original as well.

Glass-transommed French doors lead to the back piazza, a butler’s pantry and coat room, and a newly-renovated gourmet kitchen. It is sleek and clean with a Thermador Professional gas range with grill surface and a large breakfast island. Behind this is an informal living room with a powder room, storage and back staircase all concealed behind a wall of cabinets. This space could also be used for an eat-in kitchen.

A Santo Domingo mahogany staircase leads to the second floor, which functions as a complete owners’ suite. Its layout mirrors that of the first floor. A den/office/family room has walkout windows to an iron balcony on the front of the house as well as the piazza. Its dark wood chair rail, windows and doors lend a masculine feel that nicely complements the serene and claiming master bedroom with white woodwork. Both rooms feature fireplaces. Catch the breezes that the single house was designed for from the French doors that open to the piazza. A full wall of closets/storage connects the bright master bath to a laundry room and sitting room at the back of the house. With an en-suite 3/4 bath, it could be easily be a dressing room, additional bedroom or the perfect nursery.

Two large, sun-filled bedrooms with high ceilings comprise the third floor. A 3/4 bath is in the hall and the back bedroom connects a full bath with claw foot tub and two walk-in closets. It could function as a second master suite. This level affords a bird’s-eye view of some of the most impressive homes on King Street, including the Miles Brewton and Patrick O’Donnell Houses just across the street.

The home sits on beautifully-landscaped double lot with enough space for a pool if you desire to add one. A Charleston brick patio leads to a sporting lawn shaded by a beautiful magnolia. Fragrant tea olives and traditional palmetto trees take you to a camellia garden and circular focal point garden at the back of the property. Off-street gated parking is included.

BRIEF HISTORY

Eliza Drayton and John Laurens North received the land as a gift from her grandfather, Samuel Elliott. They built the late Georgian house that encompasses Federal and Greek Revival elements. The 18th century balcony on the front once belonged to 56 Broad Street.

Prominent owners include:

Politician William J. Turnbull

Botanist and litterateur William Wragg Smith – 1853

deBrux Family 1915-1999

Ann and David Dupont Silliman 1999-2001

For a more extensive account of the property and its inhabitants, click here.

24 King Street is truly the quintessential Charleston Single House at one of the best addresses in historic downtown Charleston. Visit it today and add your name to the list of notable residents.